I am optimistic. But I also know that, with time, I'm beginning to fight issues of aging as well as long-term paralysis.

I am a very lucky guy. I can testify before Congress. I can raise funds. I can raise awareness.

I have more awareness of other people and, I hope, more sensitivity to their needs. I also find that I'm more direct and outspoken.

It's important to me to say what I really mean.

My own writing has perhaps more of an American flavor than a British one, but that's because the stories I've so far written have needed it. 'Empire State,' 'Seven Wonders' and 'The Age Atomic' are all very place-centric, where the setting itself is almost a character. But there is a universality to story that isn't just limited to science fiction.

In library science school, back in the years of glowing green non-graphical screens and protocols called Archie and Veronica, I wrote Internet documentation.

You think Earth's gravity is really something when you're climbing the stairs. But, as far as physics goes, it is a pipsqueak, infinitesimal, tiny little effect.

No one was going to stop me from writing and no one had to really guide me towards science fiction. It was natural, really, that I would take that interest.